Wylfa will be the site of the UK's first small modular nuclear reactor, the UK Government has confirmed.

Sir Keir Starmer is to visit Anglesey on Thursday to formally announce the project, describd as "the most significant industrial investment in North Wales for a generation", supporting 3,000 new jobs locally.

The UK Government said the Wylfa site - home of the former nuclear power plant, which is currently being decomissioned - will become a "beacon of the nuclear golden age".

The small modular nuclear reactor (SMR) will be built by the publicly-owned Great British Energy and is set to be designed by Rolls Royce, subject to the sign off of a £2.5 billion contract.

Ministers say the confirmation of Wylfa as the host site "rights the wrongs of previous failure to bring new nuclear power" to North Wales, following the collapse of Hitachi's plans for a second nuclear power station at Wylfa five years ago.

The SMR development will be "underpinned by billions of pounds of infrrastructure investment" stretching into the mid 2030s.

Ahead of his Llangefni visit, the Prime Minister said: "Britain was once a world-leader in nuclear power, but years of neglect and inertia has meant places like Anglesey have been let down and left behind."

"Today, that changes. We’re using all the tools in our armoury – cutting red tape, changing planning laws, and backing growth - to deliver the country’s first SMR in North Wales."

“This government isn’t just reversing decline, it’s delivering thousands of future-proofed jobs, driving billions in investment, and providing cheaper energy bills in the long term."

“That's national renewal in action: powered by British talent, powered by nuclear, and powered by a Government that’s delivering for working people.”

The UK’s first small modular reactors – mini nuclear reactors which are smaller and quicker to build than some traditional nuclear power stations - are expected to deliver power for the equivalent of around 3 million homes as part of the government’s plans to become a "clean energy superpower".

The government says it is working closely with the US on nuclear and recently agreed a major agreement between regulators to make it quicker for companies to build new nuclear power stations in both countries, alongside major commercial deals such as X-Energy and Centrica’s plans to build up to 12 advanced modular reactors in Hartlepool.

Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, added: "This nuclear revival in Anglesey will fire up the Welsh economy, marking the start of a new era in British innovation and energy security."

“Wylfa will revitalise local communities, attract major investment and open up exciting opportunities for young people – creating world-class training and apprenticeships in North Wales for the next generation of engineers, technicians and innovators.” 

Energy Secretary, Ed Milliband, said: “This landmark investment proves Britain can still build big projects that stand the test of time."

“A generation of young people across North Wales will benefit from the good jobs, homes across Britain will get clean power and we will take a big step forward in meeting our ambition to create a network of small modular reactors across the UK."

“This is the Government’s clean energy mission in action - driving for energy sovereignty and abundance to take back control of our energy.”

The UK Government has pledged an extra 400,000 extra 'clean energy' jobs - including 15,000 in Wales - by 2030, with particular demand for plumbers, electricians and welders.

Work on the Wylfa SMR is expected to begin next year, initially providing three units but with potential to expand to 8 mini reactors.

It's hoped the site could start supplying power to the national grid from the mid 2030s.

First Minister, Eluned Morgan, added: "This is the moment Ynys Môn and the whole of Wales has been waiting for. New nuclear is a step into the future with secure jobs and secure energy guaranteed for the next generation."

"“We have been pressing the case at every opportunity for Wylfa’s incredible benefits as a site and I warmly welcome this major decision to invest in north West Wales. Wales is once again leading the way.”

Welsh Secretary of State, Jo Stevens, said: "This is huge news – one of the largest public investments in Welsh history that will bring thousands of high-quality jobs to the local economy."

“We said we would deliver new nuclear where other governments dithered and delayed and we said we would deliver growth and prosperity across Wales. Today we are doing just that."

Simon Bowen, chairman of Great British Energy-Nuclear, said: "This is a historic moment for the UK, and is another momentous step in realising Britain’s potential in leading the way on nuclear energy."

“These first SMRs at Wylfa will lay the groundwork for a fleet-based approach to nuclear development, strengthening the UK’s energy independence and bringing long-term investment to the local economy."

"Wylfa has a proud history of nuclear excellence, and we’re excited to build on that foundation to deliver jobs, training, and low-carbon energy for generations to come."

Rolls-Royce SMR chief executive Chris Cholerton, added: "We are honoured to have the opportunity to establish our UK fleet programme with an initial three units at the Wylfa site."

"Today’s announcement marks the first step in what will be a 100-year commitment to clean energy, innovation, and community partnership at Wylfa."

"This is a tremendous opportunity not just for North Wales but for the whole country, as we establish an enduring supply chain that will enable our fleet deployment in the UK and a large export programme, starting in Czechia."

“We will deliver nuclear power very differently by utilising modularisation and a high level of factory build, therefore minimising the impact on local people from infrastructure delivery. We are excited to be working with the local community to create jobs and growth.”

Tom Greatex, chief executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said: "Bringing nuclear back to Wylfa is a historic moment for Wales and for the UK’s clean energy future."

"Wylfa’s revival offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver clean, reliable power for decades to come, create thousands of skilled jobs, attract major investment, and revitalise North Wales's proud industrial heritage."

"With Great British Energy-Nuclear and Rolls-Royce SMR leading the way, the project will bring lasting economic and social benefits to the communities that have long been at the heart of our energy story."

"We look forward to working with government, local partners and industry to make Wylfa’s return a lasting success."